A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit.
–Proverbs 15:13
“Laughter is exercise!” said the laughter therapist in South Korea.
I know it sounds impossible or even silly to think that someone can be cured or have improved health just by laughing, but it is true. Laughter relaxes you, takes your thoughts to a more positive place, and gives you a more positive overall outlook on life.
An Oxford University study of 2011 concluded that laughter significantly increased subjects’ threshold for pain. This corroborated a 2005 study at the University of Maryland that demonstrated how laughter increased participants’ blood flow over 20 percent.
Try it and see for yourself! Watch something that will make you laugh and you’ll see.
It works, doesn’t it? You feel better already! But then why shouldn’t you?
The Bible is always right. It says in Proverbs 17:22: “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is a slow death to be gloomy all the time” (GNB).
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please help me to have a cheerful heart. Let my face reflect the joy I have because of You. Help me to see the humor and good in things instead of being negative and grumpy. Thank You for giving me so many things to smile about. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
How can I make my home a more cheerful place?